Landscaping Stone Yard with a Small Showroom

Landscapers, masons, builders and homeowners doing patios, walls, walkways and garden features.

You buy stone from quarries or importers and sell it at a markup by the pallet, tonne or piece. Delivery fees and repeat trade accounts add to sales.

• Knowing different stone types and uses
• Quoting by area and weight
• Stock and supplier management
• Customer service with trade clients

• Check zoning and business licence rules for outdoor storage with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, since heavy stone can injure people or damage vehicles
• Safe handling and equipment training. Check your provincial workplace safety rules, including WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Sales are usually seasonal, with a slow winter in colder provinces, so plan your cash flow
• Stock ties up money, and trade customers may ask for credit terms
• Charging GST/HST or provincial sales tax. Check your registration requirements

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your yard or unit, how much stone you stock and what equipment you need. Stock ties up money, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock range, trade customers and location. Sales are usually seasonal, with a slow winter in colder provinces, so plan for quieter months.

Check zoning and business licence rules for outdoor storage with your municipality, and commercial general liability and property insurance. Also check provincial workplace safety rules, including WCB/WSIB once you hire, safe handling training, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration.